How To Change Windows Store Country Or Location in Windows 10

Changing your Windows Store country or region in Windows 10 can help you access apps, games, and content that are exclusive to specific locations. This is especially useful if you’ve moved to a new country, want to access region-specific content, or need to switch your store to a different country for other reasons. Before proceeding, ensure you have a valid payment method and address for the country you want to switch to, as some steps may require verification. Also, note that changing your region may affect your existing subscriptions and billing information, so consider these factors before making the switch.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows 10 device with internet access
• Your Microsoft account credentials
• A valid payment method and billing address for the new region (optional but recommended)

Step-by-Step

1. Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select the gear icon to open the Settings app, or press Windows key + I.
2. Navigate to Time & Language: In the Settings window, click on “Time & Language”.
3. Select Region & Language: From the left sidebar, choose “Region”.
4. Change Your Country or Region: Under the “Country or region” dropdown, select the country you wish to switch to. The change takes effect immediately for the Microsoft Store.
5. Access Microsoft Store Settings: Open the Microsoft Store app by clicking on the Start menu and typing “Microsoft Store,” then open it.
6. Sign Out and Sign Back In: In the Microsoft Store, click on your profile icon in the top-right corner, then select your account, and choose “Sign out.” Restart the Store app, then sign back in with your Microsoft account.
7. Verify the Change: Once signed in, go to the Store’s settings by clicking the profile icon again, selecting “Settings,” and confirming that the country or region reflects your new choice.
8. Optional: Update Payment Info: If you want to make purchases, go to your Microsoft account online, navigate to “Payment & Billing,” and add a payment method valid in the new region.

Common Mistakes

• Not updating the region in Windows settings before attempting to access region-specific content.
• Trying to change the region without signing out of the Microsoft Store, which may cause the store to still show content from the old region.
• Using invalid or mismatched payment information for the new region, leading to verification failures.
• Changing the region multiple times within a short period, which can trigger restrictions or account verification issues.

Tips

• Always add a valid payment method and address for the new region if you plan to purchase content.
• Clear the Microsoft Store cache if you encounter issues by opening Command Prompt as administrator and running the command: wsreset.exe.
• Be aware that some content may still be restricted based on your IP address or VPN use.
• Consider creating a new Microsoft account for a different region if you want to keep multiple regional setups.

Troubleshooting

If your region change does not take effect or you encounter errors:

• Close and reopen the Microsoft Store after changing your Windows region.
• Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Store Apps.
• Clear the Microsoft Store cache by running wsreset.exe in Command Prompt.
• Sign out of your Microsoft account, restart your PC, then sign back in.
• Ensure your Windows is fully updated, as outdated versions can cause region-related issues.
• If problems persist, consider creating a new user profile or resetting your Windows Store cache.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I change my Windows Store region without changing my Windows region?

Yes, you can change the store region independently in the Store settings, but it’s recommended to also update the Windows region for consistency.

2. Will changing my region affect my existing subscriptions?

Potentially, as some subscriptions are region-specific. It’s best to review your subscriptions and billing info before switching regions.

3. Is it possible to switch back to my original region later?

Yes, you can revert to your previous region by repeating the steps and selecting the original country.

4. Do I need a VPN to access content from a different region?

Not necessarily, but using a VPN can help if your IP address is tied to your original region, though it may violate terms of service.

5. Will changing my region affect my Windows updates?

Generally, no. However, some update content may be region-specific, and updates might be delayed if your region is changed.

6. Can I change my region on a mobile device or Xbox?

This guide is specific to Windows 10 PCs. For mobile devices or Xbox, the process differs and involves console or device-specific settings.

Related

• How to Change Start Menu Size in Windows 11 Quickly
• How to Change Spotlight Search Results Order on iPhone
• How to Change Spacing in Word: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide